Bellary Belly

Bellary Belly

Feeling much stronger this morning, I packed and after my last muesli for a while headed to Bellary. I wasnt feeling too bad and had a great cycle from Virupapur Gaddi to Kampli, small towns, lots of green fields with the strange Hampi landscape of rocks and boulders as a backdrop. The road had a good surface all the way to Kundalini and I made very good time, though it was a little late when I stopped for lunch around three but I had only 18km left.

From Kundalini I joined the NH63 and it is in a shocking state, its worse than the tertiary roads Ive been bemoaning. In sections the surface is ok, but a good third of the section I was on today was rock/ earth/ dust and when this is being negotiated by impatient bus and lorry drivers its less than fun, it is entertaining though, I make better time over the rough sections unless the drivers are mad and try to shake their lorries/ buses apart which many of them do and for a while I marked the distance of by counting the number of trucks at the roadside with burst tyres, leaking axles/ diffs. and other unidentifiable but clearly serious mechanical problems requiring the drivers to repair them with big hammers and leavers etc..


I was feeling pretty rough and weak after lunch, the Dal was very good, not worth the Rs70 proprietor tried to charge me though and he backed down when I good naturedly discussed the prices with his other customers, but the going was very slow and despite welcoming it I didnt barf.These two plonkers in the picture are either Dr.'s or health aid workers and are probably under the impression that they are giving the peace sign. I had to include them as the National Highways are covered in these giant posters and I say hi to them each time I pass.

Bellary is a big town, I did briefly try to stay at a place out of town but when I found the rate was Rs 850 there was no question about me continuing for another 9km. As its a small city it took some time to get to the centre and while I was looking at my map trying to get onto the road I will leave by in the morning a chap speaking excellent English asked if he could help. Sadly the Hotel he suggested was full and Im in another Rs100 flea pit, but its better than Mundgod which is now my yardstick for grotty. With luck I should be able to recharge my international calling card here and Ive found an ATM that Ill use in the morning.

There is a fortified hill/ castle above the city and an abundance of collages offering B.As etc. its a bustling place and Im certain I could misbehave and have some fun but Im not of a mind to stay, so Im off south.